Teach-Back

The teach-back method, also called the "show me" method, is a communication confirmation method used by healthcare providers to confirm whether a patient (or caretaker) understands what is being explained to them. If a patient understands, they are able to "teach-back" the information accurately. Tools and resources are provided here to help providers develop and track teach-back methods.

1NC Program on Health Literacy (2007). NC Health Literacy. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://nchealthliteracy.org.2www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/quality-resources/tools/literacy-toolkit/healthliteracytoolkit.pdf.

Resources:

The purpose of this training toolkit "Always Use Teach-Back," found at www.teachbacktraining.org, is to help healthcare providers learn to use teach-back to support patients and families throughout the care continuum, especially during transitions between healthcare settings. The toolkit combines health literacy principles of plain language and using teach-back to confirm understanding, with behavior change principles of coaching to new habits and adapting systems to promote consistent use of key practices.

Part of the "Always Use Teach-Back" toolkit, you will find tips and tools to help managers and supervisors empower staff members with coaching tips, observation tools, a confidence scale, and examples of how to build teach-back into standard practices and policies.

Teach-back is a technique for health care providers to ensure that they have explained medical information clearly so that patients and their families understand what is communicated to them. This intervention includes several materials to support adoption.